Keep an open mind

She finds many people use the opportunity to change tack altogether, and advises keeping an open mind.

"It can be difficult persuading an employer that an ex-managing director will be happy being a van driver, but the fact is, many are. I placed one recently and he loves it.

"Money is not the major motivating factor for most 60-year-olds, unless they have wives with young children."

Smaller companies value experience

She finds smaller companies are generally much more willing to take on older people than bigger ones, because they prize the loyalty and range of skills an older employee will have.

"A common mistake people make when they are made redundant at 55 is to think they'll use their contacts and become a consultant," adds Barry Badham. "But I have to tell them it never works.

"I've had people convinced they'll be inundated with calls, but they never come. They're on a road to nowhere - once you leave a job, that's it usually. The market for consultants in most industries is tiny or non-existent."

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